It has been suggested Bent is being omitted from the side to avoid triggering a £3m bonus payment to former club Sunderland when he reaches 50 league appearances - a claim Lambert strongly refutes.

"Is there a clause? That's not true," he insisted. "I'm not sure where that came from. It is absolute drivel. Have there been any enquiries for Bent? No. Has he asked to be put on the transfer list? No."

The 43-year-old Scot has been utilising youngster Jordan Bowery, signed from Chesterfield in the summer, in Bent's place and was keen to point out his reasons for doing so.

"Jordan Bowery's potential is extremely high and he is an unknown quantity which sometimes can work in your favour," he continued.

"I see every day what goes on. We've got 20-odd guys in the same boat together which I pick from."